Dunaysir Bridge is a 13th-century Artuqid structure located over the Zergan Stream in the Kızıltepe district of Mardin. With its five-arched, pointed-arch design, it is still open to traffic and is approximately 51 meters long.
Dunaysir Bridge stands over the Zergan Stream in the Koçhisar neighborhood of Kızıltepe district, Mardin. There is no inscription on it indicating its date. However, the inscription of Kızıltepe Grand Mosque, located approximately 100 meters to its south, dates back to 1204. The fact that the region was an important center during the same period, and the bridge's materials and construction technique align with other Artuqid bridges, indicate that the structure was built by the Artuqids in the early 13th century.
It is a five-arched, pointed-arch structure; it belongs to the group of inclined bridges. The central arch is larger and higher than the others, while the two arches on each side are smaller. Its deck length is 51 meters, width is 5.40 meters, and height is approximately 5 meters. Pointed arches serve as load-bearing elements in the piers, and there are four cutwaters facing upstream. Their tops are finished with semi-pyramidal caps, which are now covered with concrete. There is no ornamentation; it is built with regular cut yellow stone.
In 1996, the Diyarbakır Cultural and Natural Heritage Preservation Board registered the bridge. It has undergone repairs at various times and is still open to traffic, meaning it is a bridge that is not only observed but also used. It is noticeable even when driving on the Kızıltepe-Derik road. But it is necessary to stop and go down to the bank of the Zergan Stream to see the bridge's five arches and cutwaters.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Mardin historical places, Mardin Grand Mosque.
Guide's Note
About the Bridge
Dunaysir Bridge takes its name from Dunaysir, the old name of the region (today's Kızıltepe). The five-arched structure over the Zergan Stream is one of the typical examples of Artuqid period bridge architecture. There is no inscription on it indicating its date. However, the 1204 inscription of the nearby Grand Mosque and Kızıltepe's importance as a center during that period suggest that the bridge was built in the early 13th century.
When to Visit
Summer temperatures in the Mardin plain rise towards noon, so early morning or late afternoon hours are more comfortable for visiting the bridge. In spring and autumn, the greenery along the Zergan Stream looks more vibrant, which is also advantageous for photography.
How to Get There
From Mardin city center, you can reach Kızıltepe in approximately 20-25 minutes by private car. The bridge is located on the highway leading from Kızıltepe towards Derik, around the Koçhisar Neighborhood. If you are going by public transport, taking a minibus to Kızıltepe and then a taxi or private car to the bridge is the most practical way.
How Much Time to Allocate
The bridge itself is not a large structure; visiting and taking photos takes 15-30 minutes. However, it is not a destination to visit alone. If planned together with Kızıltepe Grand Mosque, it can turn into a half-day Kızıltepe tour.
Route Suggestion
Starting from Mardin city center, first see Kızıltepe Grand Mosque, then proceed to the bridge 100 meters to its south. On the same day, you can also add other historical structures of Kızıltepe to your route, such as the Harzem Taceddin Mesud Madrasa. Stopping at Mardin's old bazaar on the way back completes the day.
Things to Consider
The bridge is still open to traffic and in use, so you need to be careful of vehicle traffic when standing on it and taking photos. Since the original caps of the structure are covered with concrete, it is possible to see traces of restoration. Keep in mind that in its current state, it is not a museum bridge but a living piece of infrastructure.
Photo Spots
The best shot is from the bank of the Zergan Stream, showing the side profile of the bridge. The different sizes of the five arches and the pyramidal caps of the cutwaters are clearly visible from this angle. When passing by road, only the upper part of the bridge is noticeable; the main architectural detail emerges when viewed from below.
FAQ
Updated:
